Newcastle Inn

Pemaquid Oyster Festival at Schooner Landing 2010

2010-08-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Pemaquid Oyster Festival began in 2001, Chris Davis and his two business partners organized the event, and in the wake of the tragedies of 9/11 they sent the proceeds to fire fighters working in New York.

In 2003, they founded the Ed Myers Marine Conservation Fund, and have made contributions through that fund to benefit science education in Maine schools including the Gulf of Maine Foundation, based at the Darling Center. They have also supported the Carpenter’s Boat Shop at Pemaquid Point and the Damariscotta River Association, a local land trust

The festival in addition to all the succulant oysters you can eat, has live music, contest as well as hosts educational exhibits that highlight Maine's working waterfront and the variety of recreational and commercial activities that revolve around it.

Oysters are served in a tempting variety of choices: fresh on the half shell, broiled, stewed, and baked as Oysters Rockefeller. All oyster choices are sold individually, so festival attendees can fill their plates with as many selections as they like and know the proceeds will be well spent!

The New York Times wrote a 2009 special article in the Travel section about the Oyster industry in the Damariscotta River. As part of the article, our Maine bed and breakfast was mentioned on the second page under their recommended places to stay.

The Pemaquid Oyster Festival is free (the yummy oysters vary in price), open to the public and is held at Schooner Landing located on Main Street next to the Newcastle/Damariscotta Bridge in Damariscotta. The fun begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 26 and continues until dusk.

For more information on volunteer work, or sponsorships, please contact Greg Latimer at 380-9912 or pemaquidoysterfest09@yahoo.com

Put the date of September 26 on your event calendar to attend this growing festival. Give us a call at our Newcastle Maine bed and breakfast to make your lodging plans and to take advantage of the "Oysters Everywhere Special".

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta at the Damariscotta River

2010-08-15T08:00:00.009-04:00

4th Annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta returns again and will be held from October 3 – 11, 2010 kicking-off with the officially sanctioned Great Pumpkin Commonwealth weigh-off. A full schedule of the pumpkinfest events can be found here.

Many of the highlights of last year’s festival included a big parade complete with Maine’s new record pumpkin (weighing 1,210 pounds) and its grower Elroy Morgan. The Pumpkin Dessert Contest had 18 fine entries – all available for tasting. There were lots of children’s games, a free matinée and 24 giant pumpkins were carved, painted, or both, by artists of all ages.

Pumpkins of various sizes were thrown, hurled, shot, and dropped thanks to record-holding punkin chunkers and catapulters, and a 150-foot crane taking aim on a retired police cruiser! The Pumpkin Paddleboat Races and Motorized Pumpkinboat Regatta again drew huge crowds to the shores of the Damariscotta River. Some pumpkinboat captains sped to victory while others got wet.

Our Newcastle Maine bed and breakfast is a perfect place to call home while you attend this week-long event.

DamBluesFest & Pub Crawl - August 6 - 8, 2010

2010-08-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

DamBluesFest & Pub Crawl, a Mid Coast Maine Blues music festival, returns to Damariscotta this weekend for another toe-tapping good time. Concerts will take place at Darrow's Barn as well as Schooner Landing and other local venues.

Big name performers include The Eric Green Party, The Blues Prophets and the J.P. Soars & The Red Hots band. Saturday night is the Pub Crawl, all venues are within walking distance so put on your most comfortable walking shoes and come on out for the DamBluesFest & Pub Crawl this weekend in Dmariscotta.

The fun begins on August 6 and comes to a close on August 8. Admission for Saturday main stage and PubCrawl is $10 in advance / $15 day of show. (no refunds on tickets purchased in advance). Saturday night PubCrawl without admission bracelet, $5 cover at venue door.

Advance tickets available at Mexicali Blues stores in Newcastle, Freeport, Raymond and Portland, ME. Tickets are also available at Grillzilla Bar-b-que and Larson's LunchBox in Damariscotta, ME.

You may also purchase tickets via this Link.

Make our Newcastle ME Bed and Breakfast your base camp (within walking distance of all the festivities) while you attend the annual DamBluesFest & Pub crawl's blues music festival. Give us a call or reserve online today!

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show 8th Annual Weekend event.

2010-08-01T18:24:00.000-04:00

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show returns to Harbor Park (Click here for directions) August 13th - 15th and is a 'Must do' weekend getaway. Come see Maine's finest artists, architects, boatbuilders, furniture makers, craftsmen, designers, marine gear vendors, and musicians.

The 8th Annual Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show is Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

On tap for this years event there will be a model yacht pond, live music, an area for children, exhibits, fine food, the running of the 8th Annual World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials, some wacky zucchini boat racing, and more! As the only in-water boat show in the state, with more than 70 boats in the water and 150 exhibitors on land, there is something for every member of the family.

Admission: $12 for adults (tax included), children under 12 free, cash only (ATM nearby).
Two-day show pass $20
Three-day show pass $30.
Tickets for the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show will be available at the gates starting at 9:45 on the days of the show. No advance tickets are necessary, this is an outdoor show with plenty of capacity.

For your safety, baby strollers are not allowed on the docks. Please plan accordingly.
Pets: No animals are allowed on the show grounds (except the 6 pre-qualified entrants in the Boatyard Dog Trials on Sunday a.m. only).
Weather: Rain or shine, the show will go on.
Food: We have an assortment of food vendors on the show grounds if you prefer to stay at the show for lunch or a snack.

This August, travel to Maine for a weekend getaway at our MidCoast Maine Bed and Breakfast. Newcastle Inn is only a 35 minute drive from the Harbor Park in Rockland where this show is held. You can enjoy the Boat Show and then return to the quiet and calm of Newcastle, Maine.

Antiques in the Garden- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

2010-07-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

Antiques in the Gardens show and sale returns to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on Friday & Saturday, July 23 & 24. There will be a Gala Preview Party on Thursday July 22nd from 5-8:00PM.

At the show 30 premier dealers from the Maine Antiques Dealers Association will be selling items of every description. Attendees to the Preview Party event will be able sample food and beverages from some of Maine and New Hampshire’s finest purveyors, it is the party of the year.

Leigh Keno, a luminary in the field of antiques and whose knowledge and standing in the world of antiques are unparalleled, will be the honorary chair of this Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens event.

The Antiques in the Gardens show and sale is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $12 for the show alone and $20 for the show and Gardens. Tickets for the show will be available only at the Gate.
Tickets to the Thursday Night Gala are $75, which also includes entry to the show and the Gardens can be purchased online, by phone (207) 633-4333, or in person at the Gardens.

The Antiques in the Gardens at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, now in its third year, just keeps getting better and better. A show like this is something well worth traveling to Maine to see. While you are planning your trip for this event, give us a call at our Newcastle Maine bed and breakfast for a wonderful nights rest.

Peonies in Maine

2010-06-13T12:20:00.000-04:00

The peonies in the Newcastle Inn garden this year are blooming like crazy. Last year the heavy rains knocked them flat and I never got any cut to bring inside. This year, the combination of warm, sunny days with just enough rain, has resulted in a bumper crop of these beauties. They are standing tall in their supportive cages and looking beautiful.

This week, Christian Giannelli will be here for a two day photography shoot. I first started talking with Christian before I even owned the inn and now he will be here to work his magic. Can't wait to see what he comes up with!

Summer in Newcastle, Maine - already?

2010-05-30T17:27:00.006-04:00

This past week we experienced two days of very summer-like temperatures here in Newcastle, Maine. One day it was 87 and the next day it hit 90! We don't often see temps that high here, and certainly not in May. The day that it was 90 was a strange one weather-wise because a cold front moved through around 3:00 in the afternoon and within three hours it was 70 outside.

I have been busy working in the gardens here at Newcastle Inn getting things planted and moved around. The landscaping crew was here and put in the mulch and things are looking nice. Because of the incredibly warm weather we have had all Spring, things are blooming far ahead of schedule. One of my favorite spring flowers is the Columbine. I have a few that I have planted and I look forward to seeing them every year.

I also love Fuschia, even more so after seeing hedges of them growing by the roadside in Ireland. This little plant that we put in our hanging baskets and nurture through the summer grows in these immense hedges 10+ feet high and extending for many feet. I have planted my fuschia in the window boxes this year. We'll see how they do.

Alewives Return to Damariscotta Mills

2010-05-15T17:23:00.004-04:00

One of the sure signs of Spring in the Newcastle, Maine area is the return of the Alewives to Damariscotta Mills. The fish move up the Damariscotta River and then climb the fish ladder to Damariscotta Lake where they spawn. This annual spring event attracts birds of prey, which in turn brings professional photographers from all over who are hoping to capture that perfect picture of an osprey catching dinner. It is an amazing thing to see with osprey, herons and seagulls all gathering for the feast.

Another sign of Spring is boats being put in the water. Last year a beautiful boat was often moored on the Damariscotta River straight out from the Newcastle Inn. It was as if they put it there just so that Newcastle Inn guests could have a picture perfect vista to look at. Well, the boat is back again this year and several guests have already taken advantage of relaxing in the Adirondack chairs while taking in the view.

The Hospitality for Habitat special continues for two more weeks, ending on May 27. Don't miss out on these great savings and the chance to support a very worthwhile cause.

Spring In Newcastle, Maine & Hospitality for Habitat

2010-04-06T11:20:00.001-04:00

I have been a bit hesitant to put the snow shovels away because I was afraid that if I did that, I would put a "hex" on the incredible spring weather that we have been having here in Newcastle, Maine. But, this morning I bit the bullet and the snow shovels are stored away and hopefully I won't need them again until much later this year!

With beautiful Spring weather, comes another sign of Spring, the return of "Hospitality for Habitat". In a nutshell, you stay for two nights in a room priced at $200 or higher at 50% off the posted rate. In return, make a donation to Habitat for Humanity for $35.00. Last year, Newcastle Inn guests donated $2,985.00 to Habitat for Humanity!!

I don't know the name of these little purple flowers. I just know that every spring I look forward to seeing them, along with the Johnny Jump-ups (as my grandma called them).

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Newcastle Inn!!

2010-03-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous St. Patrick's Day here in Newcastle, Maine. The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky and the temperature is a balmy 58 degrees!

I have friends coming for dinner tonight and and we will be sitting down to enjoy our "Irish Feast". So, the preparations are underway. I've got a lovely beef brisket cooking on the stove, a loaf of Irish Soda Bread just came out of the oven and Guinness is in the refrigerator. Sounds like a great meal to me.

I had mentioned in a previous post that I would shed some light on the Celtic Knot in the logo and the other hints of Irish-ness that are scattered around the inn. Since I was a young girl I have had a keen interest in Ireland. I don't really know where that comes from since I'm 50% Dutch and the other 50% is mostly German, with something else thrown in, perhaps some Irish?

While living in Milwaukee I became involved with Milwaukee Irish Fest and that is where I met Tom and Colleen. We formed a partnership and purchased Newcastle Inn in May 2008. While developing a new logo for the inn we wanted to include something Irish and that is how the Celtic knot got incorporated. I have been collecting Irish art, books, etc. for years and they have now found their way into the inn.

Newcastle Inn Hosts Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar

2010-03-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful spring-like day today. I think that this makes it five in a row! The garden buds that I wrote about last time are soaking up the sun and growing more each day. Some of the little Snowdrops are just about ready to bloom.

For all of you out there who have thought about owning a Bed & Breakfast someday, you should check out the two-day seminar, Inn Your Dreams, taught by Don Johnson. The seminar will be held at Newcastle Inn from April 10 - 12, 2010. This is an information packed two days that will answer a lot of questions and help you to decide if being an innkeeper is right for you.

Spring in Newcastle, Maine?!

2010-03-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Even though this winter hasn't been that challenging, as winters go, last week I decided that I was done with winter, so I put away the remaining winter/snowman themed decorations and pulled out the brighter and lighter spring decor. I decided to do this on the day that the weatherman predicted snow! Yes, there were some little snow flurries that day, but I persisted.

Later in the week a huge storm moved through the area and the rain fell and the wind blew and blew. The last of the snow piles are now history and today when I was out in the yard picking up fallen branches I noticed that there were little tiny green spikes poking out of the ground! The Snowdrops, some Tulips, and lots and lots of Narcissus have also decided that winter is over and it is time for spring!

Springtime in Maine is beautiful and it is surprising to me that more people don't visit then to experience it for themselves. The Hospitality for Habitat Special starts in another month and offers guests a great discount, an opportunity to support a worthwhile cause and a chance to visit Maine in the springtime!

New Sign for Newcastle Inn!

2010-02-18T17:09:00.001-05:00

Another bit of news here at Newcastle Inn was the arrival, on Monday, of the new sign. It came from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was made by Larry Gietl, Sign maker Extraordinaire. Thank you Larry!! It was packed in its' very own crate and I could hardly wait to open the box. Thank goodness for the trusty power drill/screwdriver which made quick work of the task. The sign features the new logo that my partners and I had designed when we bought the inn in May 2008. It is bold, clear and easy to read! Guests often ask about the Irish references around Newcastle Inn and the use of Celtic knot work in the logo. More about that in the next post!

Newcastle Inn Room Redecorating Complete!

2010-02-16T17:22:00.000-05:00

At last, the re-decorating project that I undertook three weeks ago is 99.9% complete! I just need to find some wonderful complimentary fabrics and sew up a few pillows. I am delighted with how it turned out and I know that Newcastle Inn guests will enjoy it as well.
The room has a wonderful clean and crisp feel to it which is exactly what I hoped to create. It is was cloudy today, when I took this picture, but the room still feels light and airy.

Painting Progress & Habitat for Humanity Special

2010-02-07T18:34:00.010-05:00

There has been steady progress in the room re-decorating during the past week. The ceiling, walls and trim are painted and the floor has the first of two coats of paint. The color makes me think of spring and believe it or not, last week I saw a flock of robins! There must have been a dozen of them. Spring can't be far off!

Another sign of spring is the arrival again of the "Hospitality for Habitat" program sponsored by the Maine Innkeepers Association. Last year Newcastle Inn participated and the guests of the inn donated $2,985.00 to this very worthwhile cause. Rooms priced $200 or higher will be offered at 50% off with a two night stay from April 12 - May 27, 2010. You can read the details on the Specials Page at the website.

Stripping Wallpaper and Fresh Popovers

2010-01-28T10:39:00.007-05:00

I can't believe that an entire week has gone by since my last post. I am redecorating one of the guest rooms here at Newcastle Inn and have been busy, some might say consumed, by decorating decisions. Last weekend I made a run down to Portland and found a great rug and that is guiding the color palette of the room.

So, Sunday the fun began with the removal of wallpaper. I have to say that I have had some terrible experiences of removing wallpaper, but happily this hasn't been one of those. It came off pretty easily. The walls have been washed, I have spackled/filled the dozens of holes and patched the ceiling. The next step is to lightly sand the walls which I hope will smooth things out where some of the paint was removed when the paper came and now the plaster wall is exposed. If the sanding doesn't do the job, then everything will have to be skim coated. I'm crossing my fingers that I don't have to do that. My goal is to have everything prepped and ready for primer and paint after this weekend.

In the midst of all this, I have also been trying new recipes. There is something about winter that makes me want to cook and bake up a storm. I LOVE fresh popovers and last week made up a batch using a recipe from King Arthur Flour. I think their recipes are great and they are all tested so they are pretty much foolproof. For a quick simple recipe go to King Arthur Flour. I'm sorry that there isn't a picture of these beautiful puffy delights, but mine are all gone!

Winter Clamming in Newcastle, Maine

2010-01-21T11:25:00.008-05:00

Yesterday morning I was shoveling the back deck, after another beautiful snowfall. Every tree branch had a perfect layer of white snow. There was an incredible quiet and stillness and all of the sudden I could hear people talking. The voices were in the distance, but I could hear them as if they were just in the backyard. All of the sudden I realized that what I was hearing was the conversation of two people digging for clams out on the flats of the Damariscotta River! As I looked more closely I saw someone bent over, bucket right next to them, digging for clams. A little while later I looked and the tide was coming in and the clammer was gone...

Happy Birthday Dolce

2010-01-18T17:17:00.007-05:00

This morning I woke up to a winter wonderland. I think all together we got about 10". After helping my guests get their cars uncovered and assisting them out of the parking lot, it was time to shovel. Because the Newcastle Inn is a three story building there are fire escapes. So, every time it snows they need to be cleaned off. There are also two parts of the roof that are very flat and they need shoveling, and finally, the lovely expansive deck gets cleared off. On a day like today, with this much snow, it takes me about 2 1/2 hours to get it all finished.

Meanwhile, my dog, Dolce, is outside tearing around the backyard, going down back and visiting the neighbors at the boatyard and on a constant hunt for sticks. Some days, she tries to take the ones that are still attached to the trees and shrubs! She makes me laugh and many guests have threatened to pack her in their suitcases when they leave to go home. Dolce is the birthday girl tomorrow and turns five. She certainly doesn't act her age and I think will be a puppy forever - I hope so!

Valentine's Dinner at Newcastle Inn

2010-01-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Following close behind the successful New Year's Eve Dinner that was held at the Newcastle Inn, the menu for the Valentine's Dinner has been finalized.

The dinner will be served on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Chef David Atwater, a chef here in the Newcastle/Damariscotta area, has planned a delicious five course menu. The evening festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. when hors d'oeurves will be served. Dinner will be served at 8:00 p.m. Here is the menu:

Menu

Crab & Avocado Pate'

Cream of Watercress Soup

Chicken Paprika with Peach & Almond Relish OR

New York Strip Steak

Salad of Baby Greens

Viennese Chocolate Cherry Cake with Homemade Ice Cream

If that menu doesn't make your mouth water I don't know what will! So, if you are looking for a special place to take your sweetie for Valentine's weekend, give me a call. The rest of the details for the weekend can be found at Newcastle Inn Specials

Maine's Newcastle Inn Joins the Blogging World!

2010-01-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

With this first entry I can cross one more item off my to do list! Having a blog for the Newcastle Inn is something that I have wanted ever since purchasing the inn in May 2008. It is always exciting, and a little bit intimidating, to start something new, but the beginning of a new year seemed like a good time to get the blog started.

We are having beautiful, sunny, clear and cold days here in Newcastle, Maine. Early this morning I was out with the dog, walking in back of the inn, and was able to observe one of my favorite winter sights - the steam rising off the Damariscotta River. I leave two chairs out on the back deck during the winter, and believe it or not, a few guests have actually sat in them to enjoy the winter views that the Newcastle Inn has to offer.